Courses

Delve into Classical Music with Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra: Explorations of the 2025-26 Season with Charles Amenta and Al Jackson

Fee: $100

Dates: An 8-week course meeting on Fridays, September 19 - November 7, 2025

Time: 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.

Course Description:

This 8-week course will provide anyone curious about orchestral music an opportunity to explore and learn as we embark on a journey of Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra's 2025-26 Season. Participants will enjoy an overview of each classical concert (excepting the concerts dedicated to movie scores - you know those already), including the history of the composers and the programmed pieces, as well the forms that the composers applied in their compositions. 

Also, there will be a discussion/presentation of what to listen for in order to maximize enjoyment of the concerts.  The instructors will use recorded musical examples to help participants become familiar with the pieces on the IPO programs.

Science Fiction Films of the 1950s with Richard Loslo

Fee: $45

Dates: A Four-Week Course meeting on Fridays: October 17, 24, 31, and November 7.

Times: 10:00am - 12:00pm

Course Description:

The Knowledge Exchange welcomes Richard Loslo back with his second course which is bound for the stars once again – this time via the movies! This 4-week lecture-based course will review 3-4 clips from five movies per week and enjoy discussion linking the films to important events of the time such as Atomic Bomb Testing, Sputnik, the "Red Scare," and the Roswell UFO incident as well as a review of each movie's production and credits. Films include The Day the Earth Stood Still, Forbidden Planet, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, War of the Worlds, Them!, It Came from Outer Space, Earth vs. the Flying Saucers, The Man from Planet-X, Invaders from Mars, and more!

Introduction to Genealogy with Bill Byrnes

FEE: $45

Dates: A 4-week course meeting on Fridays, October 17, 24, 31, and November 7.

Times: 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Course Description:

Longtime Knowledge Exchange class leader Bill Byrnes’ passion for Genealogy has inspired him to share all that he has learned!

Since the advent of personal computers, Genealogy has become an increasingly popular area of interest.  Many of us have an active curiosity in our roots, our ancestry, and our family’s history. This 4-week course provides an introductory look at the important elements of Genealogy by providing participants with everything they need to get started on building their own family trees. 

We’ll discuss DNA, documents, sources, and software; along with the challenges associated with constructing a family tree.  Both beginners, and the more experienced, will find this to be a helpful course.

NEW! The Knowledge Exchange Guest Speaker Series

Fee: $100

Dates: An 8- week course meeting on Fridays, September 19 - November 7

Times: 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Course Description:

Join this 8-week course for a series of interactive lectures by local experts on topics such as Laughter and the Feel Better Power and more!